Health Encyclopedia

Root Canal Treatment

Definition

This procedure removes dental pulp when it has become dead or infected. Dental pulp is the soft core of the tooth. It contains nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The pulp extends from the top of the tooth, called the crown, all the way down to the roots, in branches called canals.

Reasons for Procedure

When dental pulp becomes infected or dies, a painful abscess within the jawbone will occur. Removing dead or diseased dental pulp will prevent infection from spreading to other areas of the mouth and destroying bone around the tooth. If a root canal is not done, the tooth will need to be removed.

Common signs of pulp problems include:

Pain when biting down on a tooth

Pain when the tooth is not being used

Sensitivity to hot or cold food or beverages

Tooth discoloration

Swollen gums around the infected tooth

A draining boil-like structure (called a fistula) on the gum adjacent to the tooth

Possible Complications

Complications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have a root canal, your dentist will review a list of possible complications, which may include:

What to Expect

Prior to the Procedure

Anesthesia

Local anesthesia will be used. The dentist will numb the area in your mouth. The anesthesia will be given as an injection.

Description of the Procedure

A small hole will be made through the top of the tooth and into the pulp. Next, steel files will be inserted to extract the pulp tissue. All teeth have 1-4 individual canals. Pulp will need to be extracted from all canals in the affected tooth. Once all pulp has been removed, the walls of the root canal will be reshaped and enlarged. Medicine will be inserted to kill bacteria.

At this point, a temporary filling may be inserted. This filling will protect the tooth. The procedure may be done within one visit or at multiple appointments. This depends on the condition of the tooth. Lastly, the canal will be dried, sterilized, and filled with a rubbery material. This material will prevent recontamination.

Immediately After Procedure

The dentist will:

Permanently seal the area

Place a gold or porcelain crown over the tooth to strengthen its structure

How Long Will It Take?

A root canal may take 1-3 appointments. Each appointment may last 1-2 hours.

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have discomfort for a few days. Your doctor may give you pain medication.

Post-procedure Care

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

See your dentist for a follow-up x-ray as scheduled.

Be sure to follow your dentist's
instructions
.

Call Your Doctor

After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Signs of infection, including fever and chills

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the area around the tooth

Tooth loosens after root canal treatment

Headache, muscle aches, lightheadedness, or general discomfort

Pain that you cannot control with the medications you have been given

In case of an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.